Possible immuno-modulatory effects of tocilizumab in patients with refractory status epilepticus

S.M. El‑Haggar, S.K. Hegazy, W. Mustafa, M.O. Khrieba

Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt. mkhrieba@horus.edu.eg

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• Neurology
• Pharmacology

OBJECTIVE: Refractory Status Epilepticus (RSE) is a neurologic emergency that carries a high risk of mortality and morbidity. Every year, there are about 200,000 cases in the United States, affecting people of all ages. This study aimed to investigate the possible immuno-modulatory effect of tocilizumab in RSE patients receiving conventional anti-epileptic drugs.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: 50 outpatients who fulfilled the inclusion requirements for RSE were recruited in this randomized, controlled, and prospective study. The patients were divided into two groups randomly (n=25); the control group received standard RSE treatment, consisting of propofol, pentobarbital, and midazolam, and the tocilizumab group received standard RSE treatment plus tocilizumab. A neurologist evaluated each patient at the beginning of the therapy and after 3 months. Before and after treatment, serum nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and serum electrolytes were assessed.

RESULTS: The tocilizumab group showed a statistically significant reduction in the level of assessed parameters in comparison with the control group.

CONCLUSIONS: Tocilizumab might be a novel adjuvant anti-inflammatory medication in managing RSE.

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